Modular bicycle trainer

ABSTRACT

In order to allow for easier design, easier shipping, and simple assembly and upgrade to functional systems, a modular bicycle trainer that separates components into modules corresponding with functional systems is provided. The modular bicycle trainer includes a frame, a drive unit assembly, a handlebar assembly, a seat assembly, and a console.

PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/820,814, filed on Mar. 19, 2019, which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure is generally directed to a bicycle trainer, andmore particularly, to a modular bicycle trainer.

2. Description of Related Art

Bicycle trainers are known in the art and are typically used forstationary indoor training on a bicycle. Existing or known bicycletrainers are sometimes configured such that a user is not able to usetheir own bicycle with the trainer. Instead, a bicycle trainer may be asingle monolithic machine that is pre-assembled and delivered to a user.While such a bicycle trainer requires little or no assembly by the user,delivery is difficult due to the size, shape, and weight of thepre-assembled bicycle trainer, and customization and upgrade isdifficult due to the monolithic nature of the bicycle trainer.Components such as, for example, base support legs, a display, ahandlebar mast, and/or a seat mast may be removed for shipping, and auser or a technician may install these components after delivery.

SUMMARY

In one example, a drive unit for a bicycle trainer includes a housing, abody rotatably attached to the housing, and an axle rotatably attachedto the housing. The axle is operatively connected to the body, such thatthe body is driveable via the axle. The drive unit also includes amotion resistor supported by the housing. The motion resistor isconfigured to apply a resistive force to the body when the body isrotating. The drive unit includes a first guide within or supported bythe housing. The first guide corresponds to a second guide. The secondguide is disposed on a frame of the bicycle trainer.

In one example, the first guide includes a plurality of openings througha portion of the frame. The second guide includes a plurality of captivefasteners. The drive unit is positionable on the frame, such that theplurality of captive fasteners extend through the plurality of openings.

In one example, the body is a flywheel.

In one example, the drive unit further includes a wheel rotatablyattached to the housing. An axis of rotation of the wheel is in linewith an axis of rotation of the axle. A diameter of the wheel is largerthan a diameter of the flywheel. The drive unit further includes a beltor a chain disposed around the wheel. The axle is operatively connectedto the flywheel via the wheel and the belt or the chain.

In one example, the wheel is a first wheel. The drive unit furtherincludes a second wheel rotatably attached to the housing. An axis ofrotation of the second wheel is in line with an axis of rotation of theflywheel. A diameter of the second wheel is smaller than the diameter ofthe first wheel and the diameter of the flywheel. The belt or the chainis disposed around the second wheel. The axle is operatively connectedto the flywheel via the first wheel, the belt or the chain, and thesecond wheel.

In one example, the motion resistor includes an electromagnet supportedby the housing at a fixed distance relative to the flywheel, a permanentmagnet supported by the housing at a variable distance relative to theflywheel, a generator, or a mechanical motion resistor that is movableinto contact with the flywheel.

In one example, the motion resistor includes the mechanical motionresistor. The mechanical motion resistor includes a plunger that ismovable into contact with the flywheel.

In one example, the housing has a first portion and a second portion.The second portion of the housing extends away from a side of the firstportion of the housing. The first guide is disposed within the secondportion of the housing.

In one example, the second portion of the housing weighs at least asmuch as a remainder of the drive unit.

In one example, the flywheel is attached to the housing at or adjacentto the side of the first portion of the housing, such that the flywheeland the second portion of the housing are disposed on a same side of thefirst portion of the housing.

In one example, the side of the first portion of the housing is a firstside of the first portion of the housing. The wheel is attached to thehousing at or adjacent to a second side of the first portion of thehousing. The second side of the first portion of the housing is oppositethe first side of the first portion of the housing.

In one example, the axle extends through at least part of the firstportion of the housing and at least part of the second portion of thehousing.

In one example, a bicycle trainer includes a drive unit and a frame. Thedrive unit includes a housing, a drivable flywheel rotatably attached tothe housing, and a motion resister supported by the housing. The motionresister is configured to apply a force to the drivable flywheel. Thedrive unit also includes a first guide within or supported by thehousing. The frame includes one or more supports and a second guidewithin or supported by the one or more supports, the second guidecorresponds to the first guide. The drive unit is removably attached tothe frame via the first guide and the second guide.

In one example, the first guide includes a plurality of holes through aportion of the housing of the drive unit. The second guide includes aplurality of captive fasteners extending away from a support of the oneor more supports. The plurality of captive fasteners extend through theplurality of holes, and the portion of the housing of the drive unitabuts the support of the frame when the drive unit is attached to theframe.

In one example, the support is a first support. The one or more supportsfurther include a second support and a third support forming a v-shape.The first support extends between the second support and the thirdsupport, such that a length of the first support defines a position ofthe first support and the drive unit along the second support and thethird support.

In one example, the motion resister includes an electromagnet supportedby the housing at a fixed distance relative to the drivable flywheel, apermanent magnet supported by the housing at a variable distancerelative to the drivable flywheel, a generator, or a mechanical motionresistor that is movable into contact with the drivable flywheel.

In one example, the housing has a first portion and a second portion.The second portion of the housing extends away from a side of the firstportion of the housing. The first guide is disposed within the secondportion of the housing. The drivable flywheel is attached to the firstportion of the housing at or adjacent to the side of the first portionof the housing, such that the drivable flywheel and the second portionof the housing are disposed on a same side of the first portion of thehousing.

In one example, a frame for a bicycle trainer includes two supports, amounting plate extending between the two supports, and one or morecaptive fasteners extending away from the mounting plate. The one ormore captive fasteners correspond to one or more openings through ahousing of a drive unit, respectively. The drive unit includes adrivable flywheel rotatably attached to the housing, and a motionresister supported by the housing and configured to apply a force to theflywheel.

In one example, the one or more captive fasteners include a plurality ofcaptive fasteners extending away from the mounting plate. The one ormore openings through the housing of the drive unit include a pluralityof openings through the housing of the drive unit. The plurality ofopenings correspond to the plurality of captive fasteners, respectively.

In one example, the two supports form a v-shape. The mounting plateextends between the two supports, such that a length of the mountingplate defines a position of the mounting plate along the two supports.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent upon reading the following description in conjunction with thedrawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one example of a drive unit;

FIG. 2 shows a close-up perspective view of one example of an attachmentportion of a housing of the drive unit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of one example of a mount positioned ona frame portion of a modular bicycle trainer;

FIG. 4 shows a close-up perspective view of one example of a mountpositioned on a frame portion of a modular bicycle trainer and includingfasteners;

FIG. 5 shows a first perspective view of one example of a drive unit anda frame portion of a modular bicycle trainer in an attached state;

FIG. 6 shows a second perspective view of one example of a drive unitand a frame portion of a modular bicycle trainer in an attached state;

FIG. 7 shows a front view of one example of a drive unit and a frameportion of a modular bicycle trainer in an attached state; and

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of one example of a modular bicycletrainer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The modular bicycle trainer of the present embodiments separatescomponents of a bicycle trainer into modules that correspond withfunctional systems. This allows for easier design, easier shipping, andsimple assembly and upgrade to the functional systems over a lifetime ofthe bicycle trainer.

Characteristics of the modular bicycle trainer may define separation ofthe modules. For example, rider touchpoints and/or engineeringinteraction may define the separation of the modules. With respect torider touchpoint, the rider interacts with the modular bicycle trainerat a discrete number of touch points: feet, hands, seat, and eyes.Boundaries of the modules may be defined by the engineering systems thatserve each of the discrete number of touch points. With respect toengineering interaction, the modules may maximize the engineeringcomplexity contained within each of the modules, while engineeringcomplexity of interfaces and/or interactions between the modules isminimized.

The modular bicycle trainer of the present embodiments may include anynumber of modules including, for example, a frame, a drive unitassembly, a handlebar assembly, a seat assembly, and a console. Themodular bicycle trainer may include more, fewer, and/or differentmodules.

The drive unit assembly includes components used to create resistanceand road feel at the feet of the user. For example, a drive unitincludes a flywheel mass, an adjustable load device, an electroniccontroller, one or more adjustable load sensors, one or more drivepulleys or chainrings, a belt or chain tensioning device, a belt orchain, crank arms, and pedals. The drive unit may include more, fewer,and/or different components. For example, the drive unit may alsoinclude bearings and shrouds. In one embodiment, the drive unit may be adirect design where the crank arms drive a flywheel or a load unitdirectly without a belt or a chain. In another embodiment, the crankarms may drive the load unit through a gearbox (e.g., a planetary gearsystem).

The drive unit is attached to the frame in a simple and secure manner.Mounting points and dimensional control of a drivetrain are includedwithin the drive unit. A number of fasteners used to attach the driveunit to the frame is minimized. For example, guide pins and/or anotherlocator aids alignment and makes it easy for the user to properlyinstall the drive unit on the frame.

The frame and the drive unit are each heavy (e.g., 40 lbs. or more each)and bulky. Due to the modular nature of the bicycle trainer of thepresent embodiments, the frame and the drive unit may be shipped to theuser separately and assembled by the user after delivery. If the modularbicycle trainer is to be moved a significant distance during thelifetime of the modular bicycle trainer, the modular bicycle trainer maybe disassembled, moved, and reassembled by the user.

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view ofone example of a drive unit 50. The drive unit 50 includes a housing 52(e.g., a swing arm) that supports a drive 54 (e.g., an axle or aspindle), a load unit 56, and one or more other components (see FIGS. 6and 7). The load unit 56 includes, for example, a flywheel 58 (e.g., arotatable body) that is rotationally coupled to (e.g., directly orindirectly) the drive 54 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) and electronics 60configured to control the load unit 56. Crank arms with pedals (notshown) are attachable to opposite sides of the drive 54, such that theuser may pedal the modular bicycle trainer.

The electronics 60 are positioned on and/or supported by, for example, asupport 62. The support 62 is, for example, a plate that is removablyattached to the housing 52 of the drive unit 50. In other embodiments,the support 62 is configured differently. For example, the support 62may be a printed circuit board (PCB). In another example, the support 62is part of the housing 52.

The plate 62 is removably attached to the housing 52 of the drive unit50 with, for example, one or more connectors 64 (e.g., screws and/ornut/bolt combinations). In one embodiment, the plate 62 is attached tothe housing 52 of the drive unit 50 such that distances betweencomponents supported by the plate 62 (e.g., a permanent magnet or anelectromagnet) and the flywheel 58 may be varied. In one embodiment, thedrive unit 50 includes an actuator (e.g., an electric motor) configuredto move the plate 62 and/or a component supported by the plate (e.g.,the permanent magnet or the electromagnet) away from and towards theflywheel 58. In other embodiments, the plate 62 may be removablyattached to other components of the modular bicycle trainer such as, forexample, the frame.

The electronics 60 include any number of components including, forexample, an electromagnet 66. The electromagnet 66 may include aplurality of wires 68 wrapped around and/or disposed on a core 70 of amagnetic material. The electromagnet 66 is magnetically coupled with apermanent magnet or a magnetic material on the flywheel 58. In oneembodiment, positioning of the electromagnet 66 and the permanent magnetare reversed: The electromagnet 66 is positioned on the flywheel 58, andthe permanent magnet is positioned on the plate 62. In one embodiment,the electromagnet 66 is formed on opposite sides of the core 70. In yetanother embodiment, a plurality of cores 70 (e.g., two cores on oppositesides of the flywheel 58) are attached to the plate 62, and a pluralityelectromagnets 66 are formed on the plurality of cores 70.

Current flows from a source external to the drive unit and through theelectromagnet 66 via a lead line 72 and a connector 74. The source maybe at the wall in a location at which the modular bicycle trainer isinstalled or a power source (e.g., a battery) on or separate from themodular bicycle trainer. The connector 74 may be directly or indirectly(e.g., via one or more intermediate components) connected to the source.

In other embodiments, the current flows from the external source and iscontrolled for other types of movement resistors. For example, thecurrent may be controlled to activate a motor to change a distancebetween a permanent magnet on the plate 62 and the flywheel 58, to powera generator with windings on the flywheel 58 and the plate 62,respectively, and/or to activate an actuator configured to move aplunger into towards the flywheel 58.

The electromagnet 66 generates a magnetic field when the source isconnected to the electromagnet 66 via the lead line 72 and the connector74 and current flows through the plurality of wires 68. The magneticfield interacts with the flywheel 58 (e.g., made of an electricallyconductive material) and resists rotation of the flywheel 58. Theelectromagnet 66, when interacting with the permanent magnet or themagnetic material of the flywheel 58, acts, for example, as a motionresistor with respect to the flywheel 58. Rotation of the drive 54rotationally coupled to the flywheel 58 is thus also resisted. An amountof rotational resistance may be set based on a power provided by thesource to the electromagnet and/or a distance between the electromagnet66 and the permanent magnet or the magnetic material of the flywheel 58.In one embodiment, the rotational resistance is provided mechanically.For example, a plunger with a felt tip (e.g., the motion resister) is incontact with a surface (e.g., a circumferential surface or a radialsurface) of the flywheel 58 to resist rotation of the flywheel 58 withfriction. The amount of rotational resistance may be set based on aforce applied to the surface of the flywheel 58 by the rotationalresistor. Other mechanical motion resisters may be provided. Forexample, calipers may squeeze pads against opposite sides of theflywheel 58.

In other embodiments, the rotational resistance may be provided by apermanent magnet supported by the housing 52 and/or the plate 62 at avariable distance relative to the flywheel 58 (e.g., via a servo motor),and/or a generator with stator windings supported by the housing 52and/or the plate 62, and rotor windings supported by the flywheel 58.The drive unit 50 may provide the rotational resistance in more than oneof these ways (e.g., with the electromagnet 66 and the mechanical motionresister).

The electronics 60 may also include a PCB 76 supported by the plate 62.The PCB 76 may support and electrically connect any number of electroniccomponents including, for example, a processor, a memory, one or morecommunication devices (e.g., a wireless transmitter, antennas), one ormore sensors, and/or other electronic components. The processor may bein communication with electronic components (e.g., one or morecommunication devices) of a handlebar assembly via the one or morecommunication devices. The one or more communication devices of thedrive unit 50 may be paired with the one or more communication devicesof the handlebar assembly and/or other modules of the modular bicycletrainer prior to communication between, for example, the drive unit 50and the handlebar assembly. The processor may determine a power to beprovided by the source and/or how much resistance to the rotation of theflywheel 58 is to be provided (e.g., a proximity of the plate 62relative to the flywheel 58, power to be provided to the motor movingthe plunger, and/or power to be provided to the generator) to beprovided based on data received from the electronic components of thehandlebar assembly.

For example, the processor may determine the power to be provided basedon a user input (e.g., generated in response to the user pressing aresistance up button at the handlebar assembly) and instruct acommunication device electrically connected to the processor via the PCB76 to transmit the determined power to a communication device (e.g., awireless transmitter, antennas) associated with the source and/or acontroller configured to control current to the electromagnet 66. Inanother example, the processor determines a distance between, forexample, a permanent magnet and the flywheel 58 to be provided based onthe user input and instructs the communication device to transmit thedetermined distance to a communication device associated with acontroller configured to control the actuator that moves the plate 62and/or the core 70. The amount of rotational resistance may thus becontrolled based on user input at, for example, the handlebar assembly.

The drive unit 50 is attached to the frame of the modular bicycletrainer via an attachment portion 80 of the housing 52. For example, aremainder of the housing 52 (e.g., excluding the attachment portion 80of the housing 52) forms a first portion 81 of the housing 52, and theattachment portion 80 of the housing 52 forms a second portion of thehousing 50. The housing 52 has an outer surface 82 from which theattachment portion 80 extends. In other words, the second portion 80 ofthe housing 52 extends away from a side (e.g., a first side) of thefirst portion 81 of the housing 52. The attachment portion 80 may beformed contiguously with the housing 52 or may be separate from andattached to the housing 52 in any number of ways (e.g., with one or morefasteners).

The drive unit 50 may be heavy (e.g., 25-50 lbs) and may be an irregularshape with a center of gravity at a position displaced from a framemounting location. As discussed below, a mount for mounting the driveunit 50 to the frame may include captive fasteners (e.g., threadedbolts) or pins, allowing initial positioning of the drive unit 50 on theframe with gravity, not with the tightening of nuts, for example, on thethreaded bolts. Alternatively, the attachment portion 80 may weigh asmuch as or more than the rest of the drive unit 50 such that the driveunit 50 may be positioned on the mount without the drive unit 50 tippingover relative to the frame. This may facilitate attachment of the driveunit 50 on the frame by the user.

Referring to FIG. 2, the attachment portion 80 includes one or moreopenings 84 (e.g., a first guide) to further facilitate attachment ofthe drive unit 50 on the frame. The one or more openings 84 may bethrough holes or blind holes. The one or more openings 84 may bethreaded or unthreaded.

As shown in the example of FIG. 2, the attachment portion 80 includesfour openings 84 extending from a first side 86 of the attachmentportion 80, through the attachment portion 80, to a second side 88 ofthe attachment portion 80 opposite the first side 86. The drive 54extends at least partially through the attachment portion 80 and atleast partially through the first portion 81 of the housing 52. In oneexample, the drive 54 extends all the way through the attachment portion80 and the first portion 81 of the housing 52 (e.g., all the way throughthe housing 52). The drive 54 is, for example, a spindle, and ends ofthe spindle 54 are shaped and sized to facilitate attachment of crankarms with pedals for use of the modular bicycle trainer by the user.

The four openings 84 include two first openings 84 a adjacent to a firstedge 90 and two second openings 84 b adjacent to a second edge 92opposite the first edge 90. Positioning of the first openings 84 a andthe second openings 84 b is symmetrical about the spindle 54 extendingthrough the attachment portion 80. The attachment portion 80 may includemore or fewer openings 84, and/or the openings 84 may be positioneddifferently relative to each other and/or relative to the first edge 90and/or the second edge 92.

Referring to FIG. 3, the openings 84 through the attachment portion 80of the housing 52 may correspond to openings 94 (e.g., four openings)through a mount 96 for the drive unit 50 supported by a frame 100 of themodular bicycle trainer. The openings 94 through the mount 96 at leastpartially form a second guide (e.g., with captive fasteners). The frame100 of the modular bicycle trainer includes a base 102 and one or moresupports 104 extending away from the base 102. For example, the one ormore supports 104 include two supports 104 extending in directions awayfrom the base 102, such that the two supports 104 form a V-shape. Thetwo supports 104 may form a V-shape in that the two supports 104 extendaway from each other from the base 102 (e.g., with or without contactingeach other). A seat assembly may be attached to a first support 104 a ofthe two supports 104, and a handlebar assembly may be attached to asecond support 104 b of the two supports 104.

The mount 96 may be configured in any number of ways including, forexample, as a mounting plate. The first support 104 a of the frame 100,the second support 104 b of the frame 100, and/or the mounting plate 96may include notches and/or the mounting plate 96 may be sized (e.g., ofa particular length) such that positioning of the mounting plate 96 in apredetermined position and orientation (e.g., with desired tolerances)relative to other mounting locations on the frame (e.g., for the seatassembly and the handlebar assembly) is facilitated. Once the mountingplate 96 is positioned in the predetermined position and orientation,the mounting plate 96 may be attached to the first support 104 a and/orthe second support 104 b in any number of ways including, for example,with one or more connectors (e.g., fasteners). Alternatively, theattachment of the mounting plate 96 to the first support 104 a and thesecond support 104 b may be a friction fit attachment.

In one embodiment, the first support 104 a and the second support 104 binclude a number of sets of notches at different heights relative to thebase 102, respectively. Different sized mounting plates 96 (e.g., withdifferent lengths) may then be used depending on the height of thenotches used relative to the base 102. For example, the length of themounting plate 96 may define a position of the mounting plate 96, andthus the drive unit 50, along the first support 104 a and the secondsupport 104 b.

Referring to FIG. 4, connectors 120 may extend through the openings 94through the mount 96 and the openings 84 through the attachment portion80 of the housing 52 of the drive unit 50. When the attachment portion80 of the housing 52 of the drive unit 50 is attached to the mount 96via the connectors 120 through the openings 84 through the attachmentportion 80 of the housing 52 of the drive unit 50, the attachmentportion 80 may abut the mount 96.

The number of connectors 120 may be equal to the number of openings 94through the mount 96 and the number of openings 84 through theattachment portion 80 of the housing 52 of the drive unit 50.Alternatively, the number of connectors 120 may be less than the numberof the openings 94 through the mount 96 and/or the number of theopenings 84 through the attachment portion 80 of the housing 52 of thedrive unit 50.

The connectors 120 may include any number of different types ofconnectors (e.g., fasteners) including, for example, threaded bolts 122.The connectors 120 may include captive fasteners that are captive at themounting plate 96 (e.g., captive threaded bolts 122). Other connectors120 may be used. For example, alternative or in addition to the threadedfasteners, the connectors 120 may include clamps (e.g., over-centerclamps), circular or other geometric interlocking geometries, quickrelease mechanisms, guide pins, and/or other connectors.

FIG. 5 shows one example of the drive unit 50 and the frame 100 in anattached state. In the example shown, the drive unit 50 is attached tothe frame 100 with the threaded bolts 122 and threaded nuts 124. In oneembodiment, the threaded nuts 124 include tapered ends (e.g., similar toa tapered lug nut on a wheel of a road vehicle), respectively, thatengage the attachment portion 80 of the housing 52 of the drive unit 50.The attached state using, for example, the threaded bolts 122 and thethreaded nuts 124, is a rigid attachment. The drive unit 50 does notflex or move relative to the frame outside of a predetermined toleranceduring operation of the modular bicycle trainer, even under heavy load.

During assembly of the modular bicycle trainer, the user places thedrive unit 50 in a predetermined position relative to the frame 100 bypositioning the drive unit 50 over the mounting plate 96, aligning thethreaded bolts 122, for example, with the openings 84 through theattachment portion 80 of the housing 52 of the drive unit 50, and movingthe drive unit 50 onto the mounting plate 96 such that the threadedbolts 122 extend through the openings 84 through the attachment portion80 of the housing 52 of the drive unit 50. In such an attachment, thedrive unit 50 is not sufficiently rigidly attached to the frame 100 foroperation of the modular bicycle trainer, but the drive unit 50 islocated and will not tip or fall off of the frame 100. The user may thenuse both hands to install the threaded nuts 124, for example, on thethreaded bolts 122 and rigidly secure the drive unit 50 to the frame100.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the one or more other components of thedrive unit 50 include a large pulley 140 (e.g., a large wheel)rotationally coupled to the drive 54 (e.g., via a direct connection suchthat an axis of rotation of the large pulley 140 is in line with an axisof rotation of the drive 54) and a small pulley 142 (e.g., a smallwheel) rotationally coupled to the large pulley 140. The small pulley142 is rotationally coupled to the large pulley 140 with, for example, abelt or a chain 144. The small pulley 142 is rotationally coupled withthe flywheel 58 (e.g., via a direct connection such that an axis ofrotation of the flywheel 58 is in line with an axis of rotation of thesmall pulley 142). The one or more other components of the drive unit 50may include any number of additional and/or different componentsincluding, for example, an additional pulley 146 (e.g., an idlerpulley). The additional pulley 146, for example, is rotationally coupledto the large pulley 140 and the small pulley 142 with the belt or thechain 144. The large pulley 140, the small pulley 142, and, for example,the additional pulley 146 are rotatably supported by the housing 52 ofthe drive unit (e.g., via bearings attached to the housing 52).

In one embodiment, a diameter of the large pulley 140 is larger than adiameter of the flywheel 58 and larger than a diameter of the smallpulley 142; the diameter of the flywheel 58 is larger than the diameterof the small pulley 142. The flywheel 58, the large pulley 140, and thesmall pulley 142 may be made of any number of materials. For example,the flywheel 58, the large pulley 140, and the small pulley 142 may bemade of aluminum. One or more of the flywheel 58, the large pulley 140,and the small pulley 142 may be made of different materials.

All mounting locations of, for example, the large pulley 140, the smallpulley 142, the additional pulley 146, the flywheel 58, theelectromagnet 66, the core 70, the plate 62, the electromagnet 66,and/or other components of the drive unit 50 are within or on thehousing 52 (e.g., the first portion 81 of the housing 52) of the driveunit 50. In other words, none of the mounting locations of, for example,the large pulley 140, the small pulley 142, and the additional pulley146 are on the frame 100. These components may be preassembled (e.g.,prior to shipping to the user) and thus part of the drive unit 50module. Accordingly, dimensional control locations and tolerances forthese components are isolated to the drive unit 50.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the attachment portion 80 andthe flywheel 58 are disposed on a same side of the first portion 81 ofthe housing 52 (e.g., at or adjacent to the first side of the firstportion 81 of the housing 52), and the large pulley 140, the smallpulley 142, the additional pulley 146, and the belt or chain 144 aredisposed on a same other side of the first portion 81 of the housing 52(e.g., at or adjacent to a second side of the first portion 81 of thehousing 52, which is opposite the first side of the first portion 81 ofthe housing 52).

The drive unit 50 may include additional components. For example, thedrive unit 50 includes safety shrouds that protect the user from injuryat the large pulley 140, the small pulley 142, the additional pulley146, the flywheel 58, and/or additional pinch points. All of the safetyshrouds and other protection devices may be attached to the drive unit50 such that all corresponding dimensional control is provided in thedrive unit 50.

FIG. 8 shows one example of a modular bicycle trainer 200. The modularbicycle trainer 200 of the present embodiments may include any number ofmodules including, for example, the frame 100, a drive unit assembly(e.g., the drive unit 50), a handlebar assembly 201 (e.g., controlbars), a seat assembly 202, and a console 204. The modular bicycletrainer 200 may include more, fewer, and/or different modules.

The frame 100 includes, for example, two supports (e.g., the firstsupport 104 a and the second support 104 b), the base 102 including basesupport legs 206 a, 206 b, and 206 c, a seat mast 208, a handlebar mast210, a console mount 212, and an electronic device mount (e.g., for atablet or phone). The frame 100 may include more, fewer, and/ordifferent components. For example, the frame 100 may also include waterbottle mounts and/or exercise accessory mounts (e.g., for weights). Asanother example, the frame 100 may include more or fewer supports 104and/or base support legs 206 and/or different supports 104 and/or basesupport legs 206 (e.g., different shapes).

The frame 100 includes mounting locations for the other modules.Mounting mechanisms (e.g., the mount 96 and the fasteners 120) formounting the other modules are configured to minimize complexity ofassembly. The frame 100 may be further disassembled to reduce a volumeduring shipping, while allowing for reassembly by the user.

The handlebar assembly 201 includes primary surfaces and controls 216the user (e.g., the rider) uses while riding the modular bicycle trainer200. For example, the handlebar assembly 201 includes a handlebar mount218 (e.g., a mounting mechanism), a handlebar 220, and the user controls216. The handlebar assembly 201 may include more, fewer, and/ordifferent components.

In an embodiment, in which the handlebar assembly 201 includes themounting mechanism 218. the mounting mechanism 218 allows the handlebar220 to be attached to the handlebar mast 210. The mounting mechanism 218is configured so that the user may detach and reattach the handlebarassembly 201 quickly and without tools. This allows multiple users touse a same modular bicycle trainer 200 with multiple differenthandlebars 220 (e.g., corresponding to the different users).

Electronic components of the handlebar assembly 201 are connected to thedrive unit 50, the console 204, and/or other electronics via wired orwireless communication. The handlebar assembly 201 may be poweredthrough a wired power supply, batteries, and/or in another way.Electronic technology and controls for bicycle trainers may evolve overtime. The modular design of the handlebar assembly 201 allows the userto upgrade the handlebar assembly 201 over the life of the bicycletrainer 200 to a newer generation handlebar assembly 201 with differentor improved electronic technology and/or controls.

The seat assembly 202 includes, for example, a seat mount 222 (e.g., asaddle mount mechanism) and a seat 224 (e.g., a saddle). The seatassembly 202 may include more, fewer, and/or different components.

The saddle mount mechanism 222 allows the seat assembly 202 to beattached to the seat mast 208. The saddle mount mechanism 222 isconfigured so that the user may detach and reattach the seat assembly202 quickly and without tools. This allows multiple users to use thesame modular bicycle trainer 200 with multiple different seats 224(e.g., corresponding to the different users). The saddle mount mechanism222 may preserve an angle or a tilt of the saddle 224 betweeninstallations, as this may be an important adjustment for comfort whileriding.

The modular bicycle trainer 200 of the present disclosure may includethe console 204 (e.g., including one or more displays). The console 204may include, for example, a display screen, a computer processing unit(CPU), and wired or wireless networking equipment. The console 204 mayinclude more, fewer, and/or different components. For example, theconsole 204 may include secondary user controls such as volume up anddown and/or a power control. The console 204 mounts to the frame 100 andis powered by an external source or batteries. The console 204communicates with other electronic systems of the modular bicycletrainer 200 (e.g., the handlebar assembly and/or the drive unit)wirelessly and/or via one or more wired connections

The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended toprovide a general understanding of the structure of the variousembodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a completedescription of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systemsthat utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many otherembodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewingthe disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from thedisclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changesmay be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and may notbe drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may beexaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Accordingly, thedisclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative ratherthan restrictive.

While this specification contains many specifics, these should not beconstrued as limitations on the scope of the invention or of what may beclaimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particularembodiments of the invention. Certain features that are described inthis specification in the context of separate embodiments can also beimplemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, variousfeatures that are described in the context of a single embodiment canalso be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in anysuitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be describedabove as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed assuch, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some casesbe excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may bedirected to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

Similarly, while operations and/or acts are depicted in the drawings anddescribed herein in a particular order, this should not be understood asrequiring that such operations be performed in the particular ordershown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations beperformed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances,multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, theseparation of various system components in the embodiments describedabove should not be understood as requiring such separation in allembodiments, and it should be understood that any described programcomponents and systems can generally be integrated together in a singlesoftware product or packaged into multiple software products.

One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to herein,individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merely forconvenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of thisapplication to any particular invention or inventive concept. Moreover,although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangementdesigned to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted forthe specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover anyand all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, are apparent to those of skill in the artupon reviewing the description.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b) and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be usedto interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition,in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features may be groupedtogether or described in a single embodiment for the purpose ofstreamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted asreflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require morefeatures than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as thefollowing claims reflect, inventive subject matter may be directed toless than all of the features of any of the disclosed embodiments. Thus,the following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description,with each claim standing on its own as defining separately claimedsubject matter.

It is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded asillustrative rather than limiting and that it is understood that thefollowing claims including all equivalents are intended to define thescope of the invention. The claims should not be read as limited to thedescribed order or elements unless stated to that effect. Therefore, allembodiments that come within the scope and spirit of the followingclaims and equivalents thereto are claimed as the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A drive unit for a bicycle trainer, the driveunit comprising: a housing; a body rotatably attached to the housing; anaxle rotatably attached to the housing, the axle being operativelyconnected to the body, such that the body is driveable via the axle; amotion resistor supported by the housing, the motion resistor beingconfigured to apply a resistive force to the body when the body isrotating; and a first guide within or supported by the housing, thefirst guide corresponding to a second guide, the second guide beingdisposed on a frame of the bicycle trainer.
 2. The drive unit of claim1, wherein the first guide includes a plurality of openings through aportion of the frame, wherein the second guide includes a plurality ofcaptive fasteners, wherein the drive unit is positionable on the frame,such that the plurality of captive fasteners extend through theplurality of openings.
 3. The drive unit of claim 1, wherein the body isa flywheel.
 4. The drive unit of claim 3, further comprising: a wheelrotatably attached to the housing, an axis of rotation of the wheelbeing in line with an axis of rotation of the axle, a diameter of thewheel being larger than a diameter of the flywheel; and a belt or achain disposed around the wheel, wherein the axle is operativelyconnected to the flywheel via the wheel and the belt or the chain. 5.The drive unit of claim 4, wherein the wheel is a first wheel, whereinthe drive unit further comprises a second wheel rotatably attached tothe housing, an axis of rotation of the second wheel being in line withan axis of rotation of the flywheel, a diameter of the second wheelbeing smaller than the diameter of the first wheel and the diameter ofthe flywheel, wherein the belt or the chain is disposed around thesecond wheel, and wherein the axle is operatively connected to theflywheel via the first wheel, the belt or the chain, and the secondwheel.
 6. The drive unit of claim 3, wherein the motion resistorcomprises: an electromagnet supported by the housing at a fixed distancerelative to the flywheel; a permanent magnet supported by the housing ata variable distance relative to the flywheel; a generator; or amechanical motion resistor that is movable into contact with theflywheel.
 7. The drive unit of claim 6, wherein the motion resistorcomprises the mechanical motion resistor, and wherein the mechanicalmotion resistor includes a plunger that is movable into contact with theflywheel.
 8. The drive unit of claim 4, wherein the housing has a firstportion and a second portion, the second portion of the housingextending away from a side of the first portion of the housing, andwherein the first guide is disposed within the second portion of thehousing.
 9. The drive unit of claim 8, wherein the second portion of thehousing weighs at least as much as a remainder of the drive unit. 10.The drive unit of claim 8, wherein the flywheel is attached to thehousing at or adjacent to the side of the first portion of the housing,such that the flywheel and the second portion of the housing aredisposed on a same side of the first portion of the housing.
 11. Thedrive unit of claim 10, wherein the side of the first portion of thehousing is a first side of the first portion of the housing, wherein thewheel is attached to the housing at or adjacent to a second side of thefirst portion of the housing, the second side of the first portion ofthe housing being opposite the first side of the first portion of thehousing.
 12. The drive unit of claim 9, wherein the axle extends throughat least part of the first portion of the housing and at least part ofthe second portion of the housing.
 13. A bicycle trainer comprising: adrive unit comprising: a housing; a drivable flywheel rotatably attachedto the housing; a motion resister supported by the housing andconfigured to apply a force to the drivable flywheel; and a first guidewithin or supported by the housing; a frame comprising: one or moresupports; a second guide within or supported by the one or moresupports, the second guide corresponding to the first guide, wherein thedrive unit is removably attached to the frame via the first guide andthe second guide.
 14. The bicycle trainer of claim 13, wherein the firstguide includes a plurality of holes through a portion of the housing ofthe drive unit, wherein the second guide includes a plurality of captivefasteners extending away from a support of the one or more supports, andwherein the plurality of captive fasteners extend through the pluralityof holes, and the portion of the housing of the drive unit abuts thesupport of the frame when the drive unit is attached to the frame. 15.The bicycle trainer of claim 14, wherein the support is a first support,and wherein the one or more supports further include a second supportand a third support forming a v-shape, the first support extendingbetween the second support and the third support, such that a length ofthe first support defines a position of the first support and the driveunit along the second support and the third support.
 16. The bicycletrainer of claim 13, wherein the motion resister comprises: anelectromagnet supported by the housing at a fixed distance relative tothe drivable flywheel; a permanent magnet supported by the housing at avariable distance relative to the drivable flywheel; a generator; or amechanical motion resistor that is movable into contact with thedrivable flywheel.
 17. The bicycle trainer of claim 13, wherein thehousing has a first portion and a second portion, the second portion ofthe housing extending away from a side of the first portion of thehousing, wherein the first guide is disposed within the second portionof the housing, and wherein the drivable flywheel is attached to thefirst portion of the housing at or adjacent to the side of the firstportion of the housing, such that the drivable flywheel and the secondportion of the housing are disposed on a same side of the first portionof the housing.
 18. A frame for a bicycle trainer, the frame comprising:two supports; a mounting plate extending between the two supports; andone or more captive fasteners extending away from the mounting plate,the one or more captive fasteners corresponding to one or more openingsthrough a housing of a drive unit, respectively, the drive unitincluding a drivable flywheel rotatably attached to the housing, and amotion resister supported by the housing and configured to apply a forceto the flywheel.
 19. The frame of claim 18, wherein the one or morecaptive fasteners include a plurality of captive fasteners extendingaway from the mounting plate, and wherein the one or more openingsthrough the housing of the drive unit include a plurality of openingsthrough the housing of the drive unit, the plurality of openingscorresponding to the plurality of captive fasteners, respectively. 20.The frame of claim 18, wherein the two supports form a v-shape, themounting plate extending between the two supports, such that a length ofthe mounting plate defines a position of the mounting plate along thetwo supports.